Assistance Dog Support – Kynos Foundation "Dogs Help People"

The Kynos Foundation "Dogs Help People" supports private individuals nationwide in the supervised self-training of assistance dogs in accordance with § 7 of the Assistance Dog Ordinance (AHundV) and, in individual cases, also in the training of school dogs. Funding amounts of up to €1,500 per application cover the training costs, with the purchase of puppies excluded. The aim of the measure is to sustainably strengthen the independence and participation of people with physical, psychological, or social impairments. Funding decisions are made continuously, taking into account the available funds as well as the completeness and plausibility of the submitted documents.

Eligible for funding are persons who already own a suitable dog and whose suitability for assistance dog training has been confirmed in writing by a qualified training facility. Additionally, endorsement by treating physicians, psychologists, or social services is required. A cost estimate from the training facility as well as proof of their qualification according to AHundV and documents regarding the diagnosis of the impairment complete the submission. The procedure is continuously open, so applications can be submitted at any time. Upon receipt of the complete documents, a formal confirmation of receipt follows, possibly supplemented by queries; the final decision is made by the foundation board in quarterly meetings. Through this funding, the foundation makes an important contribution to inclusion and animal welfare by specifically enabling the partnership-based training of assistance dogs and, in exceptional cases, school dogs.